In January of this year, ECJ hosted a round table discussion in Amsterdam - attended by cleaning industry manufacturers and exhibition organisers - which highlighted the growing problem of intellectual property infringement. As the sector's producers seek to protect themselves from the issues surrounding 'copycat' products, we explore the reasons

In his third article for ECJ, Diversey's Pedro Chidichimo explains the benefits for facility management companies of implementing and running IT systems and procedures to improve their front and back office operations. He says internet based applications can differentiate a business from its competitors through improved service quality, and

The law on workplace discrimination is a minefield for the unwary, with employers who fail to watch their step risking becoming embroiled in costly and time-consuming disputes that can be as damaging to their reputation as their bottom line. Hartley Milner reports on the pitfalls of the legislation for businesses.

Leading economists agree that Germany will profit from openings its borders to workers from the newest EU member states. Restrictions were lifted on May 1 to allow people from the eight central European countries to enter the country.

The opening of the German labour market comes at the right time, according to Michael Hüther, president of

The economy of the 17 countries in the eurozone grew by 0.8 per cent in the first three months of 2011, up from 0.3 per cent in the previous quarter. Germany was largely responsible for the figure - which was better than expected - reporting growth of 1.5 per cent.

Debt-laden Greece surprisingly showed growth of 0.8 per cent, while France grew by

From July 1 it will be a condition for companies bidding for Dutch state tenders over 286,000 euros that at least five per cent of their staff are registered disabled or employed directly from the unemployment register.

This policy will be elaborated further during the next two years and eventually enshrined in legislation.